![]() With successful repatriation scientists have discovered that the Rio Grande silvery minnow is an indicator of the health conditions of the Rio Grande river system.Īlthough various conservation efforts are currently in place, the threat of extinction continues for this tiny fish. ![]() To date, in cooperation with the Middle Rio Grande Endangered Species Collaborative Programs, the BioPark has released more than 800,000 Rio Grande silvery minnows back into the river. ACF staff collects eggs from the Rio Grande in the spring, spawns Rio Grande silvery minnow in captivity, then releases minnows back into the river in the fall. The BioPark started its Rio Grande silvery minnow programs in 1999. Small but mighty, this incredibly small fish has an impressive role to play in the health of the Rio Grande’s food web: it tends to skim the bottom of the river looking for algae to eat and ends up getting eaten as dinner itself by several other animals. In 1994, the Rio Grande silvery minnow was listed as a federally endangered species. In addition, the introduction of non-native fishes such as the plains minnow have contributed to the silvery minnow’s decline. These factors have prevented minnows from migrating upstream and have made wild breeding and survival difficult. Its population has sharply declined due to dams constructed on the Rio Grande, which have altered the river’s historic flow patterns and changed the water temperature. Its current range is limited to a few locations between the Cochiti Dam and Elephant Butte Reservoir. Historically, it was abundant throughout the Rio Grande and Pecos basins, but is now found in only 5 percent of its former habitat. This small, chubby fish was once one of the most common species in the Rio Grande. The ACF has participated in a partnership to help conserve the Rio Grande silvery minnow, Hybognathus amerus, since 2000. The ACF holds refuge populations of several fishes and invertebrates native to New Mexico streams and rivers. The Rio Grande and its floodplain support a variety of plants and animals.Īt the BioPark’s Aquatic Conservation Facility (ACF), scientists work behind the scenes to save New Mexico-native fish species. ![]() New Mexico, as a natural landscape, supports one of North America’s most diversified faunas resulting from its diversity of landforms, elevation, vegetation and climatic history. The BioPark's work to safeguard the Bosque ![]() More than 500 different species of animals claim New Mexico’s Bosque as their home including New Mexico whiptail, gopher snakes, great horned owl, Cooper’s hawk, porcupines and much more. They provide critical habitat for many birds, mammals, insects, spiders and crustaceans in this riparian ecosystem. Cottonwood trees are the heart of the Bosque. This happens around the same time that spring rains cause the river to flood over its banks, which creates open, muddy flats where seeds can germinate and establish seedings. Cottonwoods flower in the spring before their leaves come out. ![]() For germination (when seeds begin to sprout), they need bare soil, moisture and plenty of sunshine. Cottonwoods are particularly hardy and well suited for the inconstant life of a changing river.Ĭottonwood seeds, carried by downy white tufts, are easily dispersed over long distances by wind or water. Cottonwoods grow well only where their roots can reach moisture provided by an underground water supply and where their seeds can germinate on bare, moist soil. Rio Grande cottonwoods have been growing in the Bosque for more than a million years and are heavily dependent on a reliable water supply for germination and survival. Its riparian forests provide an oasis of valuable resources for animals and plants living in an otherwise arid Southwest habitat. It’s known as “the Bosque,” which means “woods” or “forest” in Spanish. The cottonwood forest that borders the Rio Grande runs through New Mexico its habitat is both unique and diminishing. Curious about the scaly, feathered and furry animals in the natural world? Explore today’s lesson plan and discover the heart of the Bosque, conservation efforts at the ABQ BioPark Aquatic Conservation Facility (ACF) and how your actions matter. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |